but

1 of 5

conjunction

1
a
: except for the fact
would have protested but that he was afraid
b
: that
used after a negative
there is no doubt but he won
c
: without the concomitant that
it never rains but it pours
d
: if not : unless
e
: than
no sooner started but it stopped
not often in formal use
2
a
: on the contrary : on the other hand : notwithstanding
used to connect coordinate elements
he was called but he did not answer
not peace but a sword
b
: yet
poor but proud
c
: with the exception of
used before a word often taken to be the subject of a clause
none but the brave deserves the fairJohn Dryden

but

2 of 5

preposition

1
a
: with the exception of : barring
no one there but me
compare but entry 1 sense 2c
b
: other than
this letter is nothing but an insult
2
Scotland
b

but

3 of 5

adverb

1
: only, merely
he is but a child
2
Scotland : outside
3
: to the contrary
who knows but that she may succeed
4
used as an intensive
get there but fast

but

4 of 5

pronoun

: that not : who not
nobody but has his faultWilliam Shakespeare

but

5 of 5

noun

Scotland
: the kitchen or living quarters of a 2-room cottage
Phrases
but that
: that
used after a negative
there is no doubt but that it must be done
but what
: that … not
used to indicate possibility or uncertainty
I don't know but what I will go

Examples of but in a Sentence

Conjunction We had no choice but to leave. They've done nothing but argue all afternoon. Preposition There was no one there but him. I didn't tell anyone but my sister. Who but you would think that? Adverb They have but two weeks to get ready. she is but a child and too young to understand such things
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Conjunction
But scientists and doctors say things aren’t that simple — and a belief that exposing children to marijuana, either directly or indirectly, is harmless isn’t supported by the facts. Daniel M. Jimenez, The Cannifornian, 22 June 2017 But with a full and volatile season behind them, the two have grown closer, prompting check-ins from Bradford last month, seeking tidbits from his coach who watched OTA practices on a tablet from his Kentucky retreat. Chad Graff, Twin Cities, 15 June 2017
Preposition
Normally, big job losses trigger massive searches for full-time jobs, but this crisis has been anything but normal. Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 1 June 2020 Despite the pleas for calm, the nation seemed anything but as a fitful week drew to a close. Robert Klemko, Washington Post, 30 May 2020
Adverb
Those who haven't but have sworn to it under the penalty of law are allowed to participate only in federal elections. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024 Don’t call it a reboot, because, as many viewers have discovered, the new CBS drama Matlock starring Oscar winner Kathy Bates is everything but. Ronda Racha Penrice, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Noun
There’s no ifs, buts or maybes, Saoirse is one of the greatest actors of her generation. Alex Ritman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2024 Honor’s hardware is deeply impressive, but there’s always a but. Simon Hill, WIRED, 5 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for but 

Word History

Etymology

Conjunction, Preposition, Adverb, and Pronoun

Middle English, from Old English būtan, preposition & conjunction, outside, without, except, except that; akin to Old High German būzan without, except; akin to Old English be by, ūt out — more at by entry 1, out entry 1

Noun

Scots but, adjective (outer)

First Known Use

Conjunction

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Preposition

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adverb

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Pronoun

circa 1500, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1724, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of but was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near but

Cite this Entry

“But.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/but. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

but

1 of 3 conjunction
1
a
: except that : unless
it never rains but it pours
b
: that entry 3 sense 1b
used after a negative
there is no doubt but he won
2
a
: while just the opposite
I ski but you don't
b
: yet nevertheless
fell but wasn't hurt
c
: except sense 2
no one but you may enter

but

2 of 3 preposition
1
: with the exception of
no one there but me
2
: other than
this letter is nothing but an insult

but

3 of 3 adverb
: no more than : only
we have but two weeks to get ready

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